On Outdoors: Musky Road Rules here Jan. 17

Rockford musky anglers will get a chance to pick the brains of professionals next month when representatives from Musky Road Rules come to town for a day-long seminar in Rockford. The hands-on program will be Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010, at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Musky Road Rules is a traveling organization specializing in seminars and clinics, all centered on hunting the most feared of all freshwater game fish. Featuring renowned musky hunters and pros Tony Grant and Greg Thomas, Musky Road Rules includes classroom instruction and poolside demonstrations. Some of the country’s top guides and area pros will take part in the program.

The program runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $50. Women and children are free. More information can be obtained by calling Gregg Thomas at (606) 776-6729 or visiting Musky Road Rules online at www.muskyroadrules.com. Hilton Garden Hotel is at 7675 Walton St., in Rockford.

Illinois teen lands 80-pound catfish

Big flatheads are biting in the Mississippi River. Nineteen-year-old Dustin McEwen battled an 80-pounder for 45 minutes near Alton, Ill., before muscling it to shore earlier this month.

According to stats, 80 pounds would be a state record; however, McEwen apparently wasn’t looking for accolades. After doing everything he could to land the fish, he showed it to his wife and 2-year-old daughter and pardoned the monster.

Outdoors news and photos can be sent directly to Jim Hagerty at jim.hagerty@rockrivertimes.com. Glossies and hard-copy press kits can be mailed or delivered to The Rock River Times’ office at 128 N. Church St., Rockford, IL 61101. Jim can be reached at (815) 964-9767.